Psychological Desire for Horror

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Questions and Answers

Which film is credited with initiating the modern horror movie genre?

  • Le Manoir du Diable (The House of the Devil) (correct)
  • The Shining
  • Scream
  • The Purge

What psychological concept, as defined by Aristotle, describes the release of strong, suppressed emotions, often experienced while watching horror?

  • Catharsis (correct)
  • Transference
  • Arousal
  • Suppression

According to the arousal theory proposed by Henry Murray, what motivates individuals regarding horror entertainment?

  • The seeking of community and shared experiences.
  • The desire to confront personal traumas directly.
  • The need to experience extreme fright and anxiety.
  • The pursuit of an optimal level of stimulation or excitement. (correct)

What neurological response is activated in the body when faced with a perceived threat, leading to feelings of fear?

<p>The sympathetic nervous system (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Zillmann's excitation transfer theory, the enjoyment of horror films is derived from what?

<p>The relief felt after the suspense subsides. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What potential benefit do horror movies offer to individuals undergoing treatment for anxiety disorders or OCD, as suggested by Marnie Vinall?

<p>A controlled environment to face fears and build resilience (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What negative impact can violent media have on children, based on Dr. Barbara Wilson's research?

<p>Contribution to aggressive behavior (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is emphasized as crucial regarding research on the horror genre and its effects?

<p>Further research to guard the minds of youth, especially regarding mental health. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What emotional experience is heightened when watching horror movies in a group setting?

<p>Shared fear and intimacy (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What correlation has research shown regarding empathy and the ability to handle horror movies?

<p>More empathetic people are less likely to handle horror movies. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What hormones are released by the sympathetic nervous system in response to a perceived threat, contributing to the 'fight or flight' response?

<p>Epinephrine and norepinephrine (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the viewing of horror movies contribute to social bonding?

<p>By creating shared experiences in a safe environment. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the author suggest regarding the continuous enjoyment of the horror genre?

<p>That its effects could be insidious without proper guidelines. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why might some critics find it contradictory to critique the same aspects of horror films that also make them beneficial?

<p>Because intense emotional experiences can lead to understanding and benefit. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should be considered for healthy childhood growth and development regarding media viewing?

<p>Viewing appropriate media and reducing media consumption overall. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the single rose left on Alisson Cambier's body by Thierry Jardin?

<p>It was a ritualistic element inspired by the movie Scream. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the quote “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder” imply regarding the emotional response to horror?

<p>The emotional impact of horror is subjective and varies. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do horror movies provide opportunities to face one’s fears if someone is in treatment for anxiety or OCD?

<p>They offer a safe and controlled setting to confront anxieties. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When does the parasympathetic nervous system become active in the context of watching a horror movie?

<p>Once the viewer realizes the threat is not real or no longer exists. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the backward ideology proved by the study of the human mind?

<p>emotions are released in a moment of terror, cathartically set free after an influx of violence and fright. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Fear

A natural and primitive emotion experienced by everyone, triggering the 'fight or flight' response.

Sympathetic Nervous System

Part of the autonomic nervous system that activates in response to a threat, causing hormone release.

Epinephrine and Norepinephrine

Hormones released during activation of the sympathetic nervous system.

Catharsis

The release of formerly trapped strong emotions, providing a release from anxieties and fears.

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Zillmann's Excitation Transfer Theory

A theory that suggests enjoyment of horror films comes from the feeling of suspense.

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Shared Fear

Sharing fear with others creates bonding by allowing individuals to cope with real life, explore fears, and share experiences.

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Media and Children's Aggression

Violent television programming contributes to children's aggressive behavior.

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Study Notes

Psychological Desire for Horror

  • Society has had a taste for the grotesque long before the 21st century and "pop culture."
  • Le Manoir du Diable (1896), or The House of the Devil, introduced horror to viewers.
  • Horror films appeal through fear, catharsis, arousal, exposure, connection, and psychological themes.
  • Fear is a basic emotion experienced by everyone.
  • The body's "fight or flight" response is induced by fear.
  • The sympathetic nervous system activates during a threat, releasing hormones.
  • Epinephrine and norepinephrine spread through the system.
  • Emotional response is subjective, with fear causing pleasure in some and nightmares in others.

Catharsis and Arousal

  • Horror provides a release from anxieties.
  • Aristotle defined "catharsis" as releasing trapped emotions.
  • Tragedy evokes "terror and pity" to achieve catharsis.
  • Horror assists a therapeutic journey by releasing emotions following violence and fright.
  • Facing fear leads to relaxation and satisfaction as the parasympathetic nervous system calms the body.
  • Henry Murray's arousal theory discusses human motivation based on arousal level.
  • Zillmann's excitation transfer theory suggests horror enjoyment comes from suspense.
  • Critics point to adverse effects of horror on sleep, anxiety, and mental health.
  • Marnie Vinall suggests horror movies help those with anxiety disorders or OCD face fears and build confidence.
  • Facing traumas through induced fear can be beneficial.

Effects of Horror Media

  • Some claim that the horror genre has positive influences, while others disagree.
  • Thierry Jardin, in 2001, identified with a villain, stabbed his neighbor Alisson Cambier 30 times, and claimed the movie Scream inspired him.
  • Movies do not create psychos, movies make psychos more creative
  • Instead of horror enjoyment, twisted media can cause psychos to evolve much younger.
  • Violent TV and video games contribute to children's aggression.
  • Limiting violent media is essential for healthy childhood development.
  • Shared fear when watching horror with others can be intimate and communal.
  • Watching horror movies together creates bonding and helps cope with real-life fears.
  • More empathetic individuals are less likely to handle horror movies.
  • Horror movies can foster connection, release emotions, and have therapeutic value.
  • Research on horror's effects on mental health, especially for youth, is vital.

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